This is the story of our two year preparation to become fulltime RV'ers, and our big, new adventure that began on May 31, 2015. It's just the two of us, and the "fluffy dog", off to see this beautiful country with only the seasons as our guide. We're really doing it!

Saturday, May 2, 2015

One Month Til Launch - OMG!

Yesterday I paid rent on the apartment and the RV storage. Included with each check was our notice to vacate on June 3. It was a pretty big deal!We dropped the motorhome at Camping World with a list of 11 fixes. They're all small except the windshield gasket, but warranty work will take longer so we expect they'll have it for a few weeks. They told me about a couple specials they're having next month - but we won't be here!Fun side story while at Camping World: The service reps were all busy when we arrived so Bill, Tessa and I went to the waiting room. The finance manager came in immediately to see Tessa. After petting and doggie kisses, she took her back to the offices where she made the rounds. While we were waiting, a couple more employees came in for Tessa visits. It looked like it was going to take a while so Bill took her to go pick up some breakfast. The service rep came to get me and asked if I had an appointment. I said yes, at 10. Looking at his computer screen he says there's no appointment but it's okay, he'll write it up. I assure him I called yesterday to confirm the appointment and that the work order was already written up. The receptionist hears and tells him it's on the schedule, line 2. At this point he takes a deep breath and drops his head a bit. He looks at me and says "The dog's name is Tessa, that's not your last name." He had been hearing everyone saying "Tessa is in the waiting room, they have an appointment this morning, go say hi." He felt stupid, but I thought it was hysterical and it made for a great story all over the shop. When we finished up he said "Just sign it 'Tessa's mom' "!Back to our last month....We have a good friend who is moving into a bigger home on June 1 so she is coming to pick up the last of our furniture at the end of the month. It is a great solution for both of us! We have one more antique trunk that will hold a few photo albums and a couple other items we're adding to our son's storage, and Richie will take his furniture with him to his mom's. Our medical, eye and dental appointments are wrapping up, with all of our providers working with us and our new lifestyle. Tessa's vet is putting together a packet for us including salves and information on ticks and other "critters" she may encounter. Both the vet and our medical provider have all records available electronically as well.Finally, we have started changing our address on everything. As soon as our new checks arrive at our friends' house (our new domicile), we'll go pick them up and get in one last visit with them. We've been preparing for over two years, and still I worry that we're forgetting something important. We have at least three different lists that we're checking off, and have a couple more events to attend. But is that everything?We'd still prefer to be on the road already, enjoying the beautiful Spring weather, but OMG! - we only have a month left!!!

I was just thinking yesterday that it must be close to time for you guys to be taking off. Sooo exciting! Knowing how much time and care you've put into preparing for this new chapter of your lives, it's doubtful that you've forgotten anything important. But as you said, you're not leaving the planet, haha! Such a cute story about Tessa. :-)

The count down has definitely begun! So exciting!! Whatever it is you've forgotten or overlooked, you can just fix it or pick it up on the road. Seriously it's pretty clear to me that there is nothing you can't handle. I'm in awe that you are the major driver for that big rig. Love the Tessa story. I can hardly wait to meet Ms. Popularity........oh and you and Bill too!

Looks like you have your bases pretty well covered on your launch! It was wise to take some shakedown runs the way you did. If by chance you make it to the fall RV-Dreams rally in Michigan, we will stop in and say hi..we are just a few miles from there.

No, he'll be moving in with his mom for awhile. He has had a part time job for a year now and is hoping that will turn into full time over the summer. We did invite him but if you had seen his face at that thought......:-))))

We left in June, also, after school had finished. It is such a great feeling, isn't it!! I so remember waiting for the day to finally arrive. We prepared for eigtht years before our big day. So excited for you and Bill:)